scouting the trees [patrol/tagged/open]

[Bern]

| Hornetpelt | WillowClan | male | 15 moons |

The wind that had tugged at his fur relentlessly in the open spaces next to the lake finally softened to a breeze that whistled ominously through the branches of elder bushes and beeches that grew close to the traditional border with RavenClan. No fresh snow had fallen for a few days and the path patrols usually took was well down trodden, easy to follow and impossible to miss. Even if you were sick with a clogged up nose and unable to smell the fairly strong scent of Willow- and RavenClan that mixed together quite aggressively, you would still be able to tell exactly where the border was due to the sheer amount of paw prints along its course.
Hornetpelt blinked his fiery amber eyes into the shadows that stood in the denser forest on the far side of the border. Sometimes he wondered what it would have been like had he grown up in RavenClan instead of having moved to WillowClan with his family when he was five moons old. Would he still be the same cat or would he have less troubles forming close social bonds like he suspected he would have had in the more individualistic clan? And would his sister never have gone missing?
He shouldn't dwell on that. Amberstorm was right, he needed a plan if he wanted to find Honeyflame or atleast find out what happened. Nobody knew this, but he actually went on extra many patrols to get a good look at the borders and look out for his sister across them. Even more patrols than was usual even for him. Could not hurt to scout left and right in search of a loved one, right?
Looking back at the apprentice behind him however he suddenly remembered that he had another responsibility today. Sure, Birchpaw was almost at the right age to become a warrior himself, yet not today, today he was his responsibility. Looking at the small, lithe cream tom with brown tabby stripes he couldn't help but wish he saw long, light ginger fur instead and amber eyes instead of green ones. 
Hornetpelt had not realized it at the time but the time he had spend getting to know Amberstorm had been the least lonely ones he has had in a while.
Of course he couldn't blame that on Birchpaw. He did not feel uncomfortable around the apprentice, he usually felt more at ease with younger cats than with older ones here in WillowClan. Although it felt weird to have a kind of mentory-role despite not being too much older, as there had been a period of time they both had been simple apprentices.
The dark ginger tabby tapped his tail against the other one's legs to get his attention and asked: "Smell anything out of the ordinary?"
He hoped his phrasing helped not overstep boundaries and make the younger tom think he was testing him while also training the apprentice's skills in reading scentmarks and scents overall. He would have hated to be lectured by a cat he not too long ago shared a den with afterall.

Tags: @edda, @whoever wants in WC and RC

[Deleted]

Birchpaw was told to go on a patrol with Hornetpelt, his mentor Amberstorm’s sibling. He didn’t argue or questioned it he just nodded and went with he slightly older cat. He was almost a warrior his sister Streamshine was already given her warrior name but he was behind. He wasn’t made that she was granted her name first he was actually glad it was Oaktalon that gave her the name instead of Willowstar he didn’t even know how bad the name would have been if it was her giving it. He was glad his sister was accepted as a full member now, but now it was his turn to get his warrior name.

The small pale tabby moved along his green with a slight touch of amber eyes looked out at the snow covered territory. You could see the paths that the cats took the path in the snow was clear. The borders were very much patrolled often with the other clans so close. It made Birchpaw’s fur stand up a little bit. He knew what it was like to fight and he knew he was more prepared now than he was in that battle.

Thats when Hornetpelt tail touched his leg and Birchpaw looked at him and flicked his ear. Opening his mouth taking a deep breath in the tom took in all the smell, it seemed that Ravenclan had been here recently their sent was strong. ”Seems like Ravenclan must have just been by the borders.” He looked at the other tom wondering if he thought the same thing.

Tags: Bern
Notes:

[Zaperex]

but something gets lost from a safe distance,
and i can’t help but second guess living behind this one-way mirror

MALLOWSHINE

WILLOWCLAN | FEMALE | 15 MOONS

"I'm glad we missed them, then," said Mallowshine, barely listening. The brown tabby walked carefully along the border, mouth open, scanning for any stray scents. Checking for signs of RavenClan trespassers, yes, but more importantly--rogues. Ever since that day, Mallowshine had been on the look out. Most of the time, she shut her worry away into a deep, dark corner of her mind. It wasn't productive to worry, and she did her best to think up excuses like 'wouldn't she be busy with her kits?' Oh, yeah, her kits that she'd thrown into WillowClan territory for fun. Border patrol, however, was exactly the time to be worry about it. She was starting to hate it a little--how helpless it made her feel and how fragile, meaningless their markers had become in her eyes after that encounter.

This was the drawback to getting close to people--the near suffocating fear for their well-being in times like these. Especially the apprentices. Amberstorm had seemed so very nervous when they first met, but Mallowshine had no doubt by now that there was a fire and fierceness in her. She would protect herself and her apprentice with all she had; the 'storm' in her name was not for show. Then there was Leopardpaw--Mallowshine's own apprentice, their bond still fresh, and Mallowshine could already feel herself getting attached. Bright, confident, and so very young; Mallowshine was responsible for her, yet she couldn't watch her all the time, nor did she want to smother her like that. And finally, Pebblepaw. Their encounter with the fox had been a small disaster. Then there were those dreams of his... She couldn't help but think that Mizar fit the description. Would it help if she told him? He already knew to be careful, didn't he? Another burden for him to bear, and Mallowshine just couldn't find the words. 

A part of her never wanted to see that murderer again, and the other wanted to end her, regretted not ending her when they met (even though she wasn't sure she could). But today, just like every other border patrol she'd been on since then, there had been nothing. And so, Mallowshine put her fears away, back into that corner.

"I think we should move on," she said, shaking herself out of that state of mind. It was just a normal day for them, wasn't it? It was a normal day for Mallowshine too, she supposed. According to Amberstorm, Birchpaw was, frankly, a menace. He hadn't stepped out of line yet, though Mallowshine was watching him. She wasn't sure what would be worse--if he was equally nasty to everyone, or if, for some reason, he was just a brat to his mentor.

And Mallowshine really didn't know how to feel about Hornetpelt. She knew Amberstorm spent a lot of time around him, more and more as the season went on. She thought there might be... something there. And that felt strange, the idea not sitting too comfortably with Mallowshine. Perhaps this wasn't a good thing to dwell on either. Even as she thought this, a prodding question fell from her mouth. "So, you know Amberstorm too, right?" she asked the ginger tom, sticking a mild smile on her face. "You both know Amberstorm," she corrected herself. 

TAG: Bern, @edda

[Bern]

| Hornetpelt | WillowClan | male | 15 moons |

His fiery amber gaze stayed on Birchpaw's green and amber one for a while. He had come to the same conclusion. A RavenClan patrol must have been here mere moments ago. It bordered a miracle they had missed them. Mallowshine spoke up and Hornetpelt turned his gaze onto the light brown tabby. It remained on the small white splotch inbetween her green eyes briefly before he nodded his head and and murmured his agreement.
Running into a patrol from another clan always was atleast an awkward affair as custom had them stare down each other, both accusing each other of being too close to their respective territory whilst casting glances that just dared each other to make a move into the wrong direction. With prey this scarce and tensions and distrust running this high, squirmishes seemed more common than ever.
The ginger and white tom shrugged the thought away however, testing the air once more to make sure the patrol was really gone. He instantly cursed the cold inwardly, as it made his nose sting and eyes water a little.
"Yes. Let's get going", he agreed to Mallowshine's suggestion. With a flick of his tail he beckonned his patrol forward. He could not help but glance at the molly one more time though. She seemed somewhat nervous to him and he wondered why. With so many patrols being the norm, surely this was just a normal day for her? He knew it was for him. And even Birchpaw seemed relatively relaxed, the younger tom having come on this patrol dutifully without complaint or hesitation. Hornetpelt had liked that.
When Mallowshine asked if he knew Amberstorm however, his head immediatly shot up. He looked at the molly's face and finding a mild smile there, he drooped his head again, mouth opened to check along the border. He was not sure why he had reacted that way. His first instinctive thought was that Mallowshine had in mind to gossip about his friend, yet he scolded himself to think that as the very first thought. He had seen Amberstorm and Mallowshine together, he figured they were friends too. Knowing Amberstorm she would probably not waste her time on cat who gossipped all the time. "You both know Amberstorm", the brown tabby said.
He cast a glance at Birchpaw. 'Right', he thought. Birchpaw was being mentored by Amberstorm on his last final sprint towards warriorhood.
"Yes. I know her", he said rather cautiously, still unsure of where Mallowshine was going with this. He forced himself to see the best in this cat however. Maybe she was just trying to bond over their mutual friend, he would welcome this.

Tags: @edda, Zaperex

[Deleted]

Birchpaw’s eyes flicked over as Mallowshine spoke about the Ravenclaner’s. He just nodded in agreement, he wasn’t ready to fight anyone soon again. Though he had more training now than he did at the battle he was still glad they wouldn’t have to see those Ravenclan cats. Birchpaw was glad to see that Hornetpelt agreed with his statement and he watched as the other warrior headed down closer to the border. He figured if Ravenclan just marked their side they would probably have to do the same.

Thats when Mallowshine said that they should move on and then Hornetpelt agreed with her. He just narrowed his eyes and said, ”They must have remarked the borders, why aren’t we doing the same?” His voice was monotoned, and just lifeless. He wasn’t the most nice cat, but it couldn’t hurt to ask a question. Plus he knew that marking the borders would be good, to show to Ravenclan that they weren’t lazy or weak. Even with all the sick cats that they had back at camp. But he wasn’t going to argue if Hornetpelt said no to his question either he wasn’t that stupid to disobey a warriors orders.

Thats when he moved on following Hornetpelt anyways, clearly the tom seemed nervous but he was a younger warrior only a few moons older than Birchpaw himself and this was probably his first patrol. Not like Birchpaw was going to complain about it he was just glad to be be out and about and a place where his mother couldn’t coddle him.

Mallowshine asked Hornetpelt if he knew Amberstorm, it seem like the other tom was a bit jumpy or like surprised that the question came up. He watched as a amber gaze landed on him. Birchpaw just narrowed his eyes almost silently saying ‘Its a yes or no question just answer it.’ Because it clearly wasn’t directed at him. Well until she said both, Birchpaw just stated, ”The whole clan knows Amberstorm. Its not like she sleeps in a different den than you.” Then he just turned and scanned the area finally continuing ”Unless your inquiring if I know her more than just a name then, sure. She’s my mentor.” He looked at Mallowshine, his face was pretty neutral as he gave her a look that said, ‘Whats the deal.’

Tags: Zaperex, Bern,
Notes: Sorry guys heres birchpaw ill try to be more quick

[Zaperex]

but something gets lost from a safe distance,
and i can’t help but second guess living behind this one-way mirror

MALLOWSHINE

WILLOWCLAN | FEMALE | 15 MOONS

"You can if you like," Mallowshine answered Birchpaw. His tone wasn't exactly antagonistic, but it was... odd. She didn't know what to make of it yet. "But the scent's still strong here, I was thinking we could do it a little further down." She continued moving, expecting Birchpaw to catch up later if he really did want to mark the border here. Clearly, he'd just been nitpicking, since he didn't stop either.

Though her face didn't change, Hornetpelt's reaction sent her heart racing. She definitely couldn't stop there, she thought, undeterred by his terse answer. "Yeah, we've never really talked, but she's mentioned you, you know?" she said, careful not to seem too engaged. She wondered if Amberstorm had ever mentioned her to Hornetpelt.

Of course, Birchpaw had to cut in again. It was irrational to be annoyed by this, when she'd been the one who'd asked him. She could, however, feel annoyed by his inane answer. Inhaling just a little harder, she decided not to say anything about his 'wit'."Is that so," she said, as though she hadn't known that. "I'm sure you'll learn a lot from her. Amberstorm's quite an exceptional warrior." 

"Don't you think so?" she asked, returning her attention to Hornetpelt. Her pale, green eyes gleamed with a curiosity she hoped came across as benign. Mallowshine knew how to play WillowClan's games, but she wasn't a manipulator. She just wanted to learn a little more about her friend's other relationships. Like Mallowshine, Amberstorm didn't seem close to many people, after all. "I haven't known her for too long, but she's--" Mallowshine looked down as, for whatever reason, heat flashed through her face--special--"a friend I'm grateful to have." She forced herself to meet Hornetpelt's gaze again, searching his expression for clues.

Why was she so invested in this, she questioned. Yet, wasn't the answer obvious? Amberstorm was her friend. Her very important friend. One of her first, someone who understood her like no one else. Why shouldn't she be interested? She didn't mean anything by it. Despite her calm demeanour, her tail lashed behind her energetically. Of course she wanted to know, she repeated to herself.

TAG: Bern, @edda

[Bern]

| Hornetpelt | WillowClan | male | 15 moons |

"We'll mark the border over here, between the fresh markers from RavenClan", the dark ginger tabby tom told the light brown one. His fierey amber gaze flicked over the tree-lines, wondering wether hidden eyes of the other clan were watching. He picked up where Mallowshine had left off with her explanation to picking another spot and explained: "We'll be faster marking the border in turns with them. Besides it may come off as aggressive to mark too close to them and we don't want to stirr up unnecessary trouble." Hornetpelt had added the last part quieter than before, just in case.
He turned his attention away from Birchpaw and towards Mallowshine once more. His ears flicked briefly in surprise when the molly told him that Amberstorm had mentioned him to her. He was mildly confused at her words. Did she mean that he and Mallowshine haven't ever really talked? That was true, but would just be stating the obvious. She could also have meant that she and Amberstorm never really talked but then the fact that the latter had mentioned him to her was all the more surprising.
"Oh?" Hornetpelt tried to mask his confusion and surprise with a half-smile. It felt awkward on his face. "All positive I hope", he added. His smile grew wider- but only to one side, giving him a rather funny look- which he wasn't quite aware of.
There was a question on his lips but before he could ask it Birchpaw joined in the conversation once more. Hornetpelt turned his face away from Mallowshine and towards the border that was to be marked. A real smile of amusement stole its way onto his face at Birchpaw's dry delivery of an answer. My, who would have guessed this cat was funny? The young ginger warrior surely hadn't been social enough with the other apprentices back in the day.
If he had been, surely he would have no second guesses to Mallowshine's intentions and her inquiring questions about their denmate. But he had never known how to get over his cautiousness and general awkwardness, not back then and not even now did he really know hos to react to Mallowshine. He wanted to think the best of her. Especially after she called Amberstorm an exeptional warrior.
Hornetpelt actually could feel his chest get warmer at the other warrior's praise of Amberstorm, almost as if he himself had been praised. This was how it was supposed to be, if warriors had to talk about their clanmates, then it should all be positive, lifting each other up, not that nasty gossip he usually overheard and tried to keep away from around WillowClan.
He met her pale green gaze once she asked for his opinion. As he smiled this time, there was a hint of affection in his fierey amber eyes. "Yes.", he said. His voice a note warmer than before. "I think she has a lot of potential. She is still very young of course- as we all are.", he finished. He waited for Mallowshine to make her point and when she said that she and Amberstorm were friends, he felt the all too familiar sting of envy in his side.
He wished he had friends. Friends like Amberstorm, she was a great cat to be around. One of the few cats that felt... real. Wait. If Amberstorm wasn't his friend, then no one was. He hadn't felt a connection to anyone quite as strong as to Amberstorm -outside his immediate family of course. And if he had referred to Redpaw and Sparrowpaw as his friends in the past, Amberstorm definitely was his friend.
"I'm grateful to have her as a... friend too", he said hesitantly, softly. "Perhaps you and I could be friends too" - the words were out before he had realized what he was saying. His long legged shape stiffened. He bit his tongue. That was one embarassing and awkward thing to blurt out- especially with a witness. His gaze flicked towards Birchpaw, hoping the apprentice miraculously hadn't been listening anymore.

Tags: @edda, Zaperex
ooc: awkward. boi is awkward